Audi Q5 HFC, a hydrogen-powered hybrid

Audihas recently disclosed a concept version for the Q5 model, powered by a hybrid assembly. Novelty is represented by joining a of hydrogen cells unit and electric engines.

Audi unveiled within the Challenge Bibendum, the annual event organized by Michelin, a prototype based on Q5, meant to expose to public the efforts that are made in Ingolstadt to find alternative propulsion solutions.

Named Q5 HFC, the abbreviation for Hybrid Fuel Cell, the crossover is, as the name suggests, a hybrid that uses the resources of some electric motors and hydrogen cells. AudiQ5HFC demonstrates the progress made ​​by the Germans in the hydrogen cells propulsion area, and is not aimed at developing a series version.

AudiQ5HFC uses components of a traditional hybrid system. The polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) of the cell produces an output of 133 horsepower, while the lithium-ion battery contains 1,3 kWh of energy. PEM is supported by a pair of electric motors located in the vicinity of wheels, for a combined output of 122 hp and 420 Nm of torque.

AudiQ5HFC electric units are kept alive by a 1,4 kWh battery. Audi has not provided information about the autonomy of the model, however, in the test rally, Rally InterCity organized during Challenge Bibendum, the crossover has covered 300 kilometers.